Sources: City treasurer to retire at manager's request

Murphy has also promoted two city employees to fill positions in the Department of Planning and Development, including the open director of economic development post.

Craveiro is expected to retire by Aug. 15 and her position has been advertised by the city. Treasurer Craveiro was hired by then-City Manager Bernie Lynch in late 2011.

"It was her intention to retire and I thank her for her service to the city and wish her the best in retirement," said Murphy, declining to comment further.

Sources told The Sun Craveiro was forced out because of concerns about her performance. City Councilors had also publicly raised concerns about customer service in the Treasurer's Office under Craveiro.

Craveiro did not answer in an email whether she was asked to retire or comment on when she will be retiring.

Meanwhile, Murphy has named Allison Lamey the new director of economic development, a position that has been open for several months after the departure of Theresa Park.

Lamey had previously been serving as the city's community development director. Murphy said Planning and Development Director Diane Tradd spoke very highly of Lamey.

"She is incredibly impressed with Alisson's work," Murphy said. "She convinced me Allison was the top person for the job.

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Murphy said he chose Lamey over two other candidates interviewed, including one who is an economic-development director in a much smaller community in the state.

"We really needed somebody who knows the downtown area and can work to improve it," Murphy said of Lamey.

Chris Samaras, who had applied for the economic-development position, will be promoted to fill Lamey's slot. Samaras is presently the downtown/special events coordinator and the son of City Councilor William Samaras.

Murphy said he and Tradd have both been very impressed with Samaras' work, including his efforts with the Great Race and Folk Festival this year. The manager said Samaras is a very diligent worker.

"He has earned the promotion and he has proven he has the skills necessary to fill the position," Murphy said.

Murphy said he expects Lamey and Samaras to start their new roles within a week to 10 days.

Lamey's current budgeted salary is $76,399, while Samaras' is $60,636. Their new salaries were not available as of late Wednesday afternoon.

Murphy will now advertise Samaras' position.

With the start of Assistant City Manager Mike McGovern last week, Assistant to the City Manager Henri Marchand is no longer working at City Hall for the time being.

Murphy said he offered Marchand another position better suited to his skillset, but Marchand declined to take it.

"I expect him to return when an appropriate position opens," Murphy said.